Chapter 134: Ellie
"Dear gentlemen, please show some mercy to my staff."
The bald Agisaur turned toward the source of the voice, his expression curious. Vincent's attention followed, drawn to the same figure.
The speaker was a woman with fair, flawless skin and striking jade-green hair cascading freely down her back. She appeared to be in her early twenties and was dressed in an elegant yet provocative office outfit—a stark contrast to the armored gear typically worn by Origin Warriors. Her enchanting presence immediately drew all eyes in the room.
Even the Agisaurs, crude as they were, couldn't help but be captivated by her appearance.
With a quick glance, Vincent assessed the situation. His sharp senses easily measured the strength of the woman and the bald Agisaur. The comparison made him smirk in quiet amusement, his interest piqued.
At this moment, the red-haired woman's stern voice broke the silence.
"What are you doing, Annie? Apologize to these gentlemen and get back to the kitchen."
Annie, the waitress, clutched her reddened cheek. She hesitated before looking toward the red-haired woman, her lips trembling slightly.
"I understand, Sister Ellie—" she began, only to stop abruptly as Ellie's sharp gaze bore into her. Realizing her mistake, Annie quickly corrected herself.
"I-I mean, Lady Boss."
Experience tales at empire
With a deep bow, she addressed the Agisaurs.
"I apologize, dear customers," she said, her voice wavering. Without waiting for their response, she turned and hurried back to the kitchen, her steps unsteady but quick.
Ellie turned her focus to the group, her smile unwavering and professional. She spoke with calm authority.
"I deeply apologize for the inconvenience, gentlemen. Rest assured, we will serve you our finest dishes without further delays."
The Agisaurs stared at her, utterly mesmerized. Agik, the bald leader, licked his lips and grinned, his smile filled with lecherous intent.
"Do you think that's enough? If you want this business to keep running, you'll have to personally serve us," Agik sneered, his tone dripping with arrogance.
"He's right! You'll need to accompany us!" one of his companions chimed in, their laughter vulgar and grating.
Ellie didn't flinch. Her smile remained serene, her voice steady.
"If that's what you wish, gentlemen, it would be my pleasure to personally serve you. Please, follow me."
Agik chuckled darkly, his gaze never leaving her.
"Smart woman. You should teach your staff to behave like you."
From their table, Valyn watched the scene unfold with mild amusement. She turned to Vincent and asked, her tone light and teasing, "Aren't you going to step in and help her?"
Earlier, Valyn had noticed Vincent's subtle readiness to intervene when the waitress was slapped. Now, however, he remained seated, watching with calm detachment.
"She doesn't need my help," Vincent replied, shaking his head slightly.
Moments later, muffled groans and cries began to leak from the room where Ellie had led the Agisaurs.
The sound barely caused a stir among the other patrons, who continued their meals as though nothing unusual was happening.
Soon, the group of Agisaurs stumbled out of the room, their faces battered and bruised, their confidence completely shattered. Ellie followed close behind, her expression still adorned with a professional smile.
"Thank you for patronizing my establishment, dear gentlemen. Please visit again soon," she said, her tone polite but laced with a subtle sharpness.
The Agisaurs froze, trembling.
"W-We won't be coming back! Forgive us!" Agik stammered, before the group bolted out of the restaurant, not daring to look back.
The rest of the customers barely reacted. Such events were commonplace here, so much so that they had become part of the restaurant's normal atmosphere.
Behind Ellie's composed smile was a powerhouse capable of taking down foes without breaking a sweat. Vincent had noticed her strength from the very beginning, which was why he hadn't moved to interfere.
Ellie's gaze shifted toward their table, her sharp eyes locking onto Valyn.
Curious, Vincent turned to Valyn, silently questioning her reaction. Valyn sighed, a mix of resignation and irritation flashing across her face.
Ellie approached their table, her expression cool but her steps deliberate. Her focus remained entirely on Valyn.
"How come you're still here, bitch? I thought you'd be preparing to ascend to the next continent by now," Ellie said, her voice tinged with mockery.
Valyn's lips twitched, her irritation barely masked by her smile.
"Who are you calling a bitch, you bitch?"
The tension between the two women was palpable, despite their smiles. Vincent, observing the scene, couldn't help but feel as though invisible sparks were flying between their gazes. The air grew heavier, thick with pressure.
The other patrons, less resilient than Vincent, began shifting uncomfortably in their seats, unable to enjoy their meals under the suffocating atmosphere.
Vincent coughed lightly, attempting to break the tension.
"Ahem! Is she your friend, Big Sis?" he asked, his tone casual.
Valyn scoffed, a small smirk playing on her lips.
"Why would I associate with someone like her?"
Ellie's sharp eyes turned to Vincent, her expression softening into a playful smirk.
"I'm not her friend. I'm Ellie, just a simple restaurant owner. But I must say, I'm surprised someone like her has such a handsome younger brother."
Leaning closer, Ellie grinned mischievously.
"Do you have a girlfriend, little brother? If not, how about giving this big sister a chance?"
She leaned forward slightly, emphasizing her curves.
Valyn's expression darkened instantly. Without hesitation, she shoved Ellie back. "Don't you dare lay your slutty hands on my little brother!"
Ellie struggled on leaning towards Vincent against Valyn's protest for a moment before she eventually fell back.
Her tone changed and lost her playfulness as she glanced at the eyes of the curious customer's behind her.
"Let's continue our business somewhere else. Follow me."
Soon they followed behind Ellie and went into a private room upstairs.
Inside the room, Ellie was sitting on an office table behind her were a window and bookshelf filled with books. In front of her were Vincent and Valyn sitting face to face in between a small table.
"So, why are you here?"